Ashura - History

What is Ashura

Shiite Muslims: WORTH MORE THAN RUBIES trailer

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus,for he will save his people from their sins.Matt. 1:21 NLT

The sacrifices...were repeated year after year,but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship...But our High Priest offered himself to God as one sacrifice for sins, good for all time.Heb. 10:1, 12 NLT

I will never forget a few years ago when we watched as our neighbors took a large ram and killed it outside our kitchen window. Never before had I seen a lamb sacrificed to honor and please God - I had just read about it. I thought it was only in Bible times, but not today. But this was real. This was right in front of me. This was our neighbors!

Today, sheep are for sale in little "sheepfold pens" in many countries around the world, including where we live, because in just a few days, many Muslim families - both Shiite and Sunni - will once again buy a lamb, sacrifice it, and cook a special meal to share with their family and needy people in their neighborhood for Aed Al-AdHa, Feast of the Sacrifice.

Families will exchange gifts, like many of us give gifts at Christmas. Children will receive new clothes and toys. Families will visit their relatives. It is a happy time. One Shiite family of peace - true seekers of Jesus - asked if they could eat turkey with us sometime over this holiday!

This week is also the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca for many Muslims - both Shiite and Sunni - who want to make this important pilgrimage at least once before they die. As part of their ritual in Mecca, they will sacrifice lambs as part of the Feast of the Sacrifice.

This week as you see the reports on the Hajj and think of our neighbors, both Shiite and Sunni families who are sacrificing a lamb this week, will you pray that they see THE LAMB WHO TAKES AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD?

Pray that Shiite families and Sunni families will encounter Jesus, receive cleansing once and for all, and begin following Him in droves.

Did you know some Muslims have come to know and follow Christ while on the Hajj? Check out our friends website to see this video dramatization based on the true story of Ali. Visit: www.godnews.podomatic.com and select Vid.Cast#6, The Story of Ali.